Diagnostic services
Originally known as the Centre for Social and Communication Disorders, the Lorna Wing Centre for Autism in Kent was one of the first centres to provide a complete diagnostic, assessment and advice service for children, adolescents and adults with social and communication disorders throughout the UK.
The centre is named after Dr Lorna Wing, who was involved in our charity from its very earliest days and co-founded our first centre in Kent with Dr Judith Gould in 1991. The centre was set up because parents of children suspected to be autistic, as well as other related conditions, often had major problems accessing a diagnostic assessment or an explanation for their child's behaviour.
What services do we offer?
We offer a range of specialist diagnostic and assessment services for children, young people and adults with possible autism, using the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) alongside other assessment tools as recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). The DISCO is a semi-structured interview designed to systematically gather information about a person’s strengths and challenges, as well as their developmental profile. The DISCO is usually undertaken with somebody who knows the person well, for example, a parent or carer. In addition to the DISCO, there will also be an age-appropriate clinical interview with the person undergoing the assessment. Other semi-structured assessments may also be part of the assessment, for example, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), and/or other more structured language and cognitive assessments.
We also collect information from previous assessments and any other relevant sources with your consent.
We bring together all this information to formulate a clear diagnosis and recommendation of needs and prepare in-depth reports. We take care to consider the interventions already in place and think about where it might be possible to endorse current practice. If we think further intervention or new options for a person are necessary, we give guidance for consideration.
What do we specialise in?
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Mental health conditions co-morbidity
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Intellectual disabilities or specific learning differences
- Forensic complexities.
We also specialise in assessments for women and girls, and assessments where a second or third opinion is required.
How do referrals work?
- Through your GP: your GP may commission a referral through the NHS by making a case to your local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). This a specific pathway and not part of Patient Choice
- Through your local authority who may commission and fund an assessment in specific circumstances.
- Through a self-referral which can be self-funded or paid for by a private healthcard provider with their agreement.
The Lorna Wing Centre is accepting referrals for children, young people and adults. Please use our online form below to make an enquiry.
Diagnostic assessment enquiry form
For referrals for children, young people and adults by the Lorna Wing Centre.
Go to form
Please note, the Lorna Wing Centre is not able to provide an advice service for diagnostic assessments or general advice from our clinicians. If you need information about autism, please see our What is autism section. If you would like more information about the diagnosis process, please see our Diagnosis section.
Information about the Lorna Wing Centre
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What information do we keep about you and how do we use it?Under the Health & Social Care Act 2008 we are required to keep an accurate, complete and contemporaneous record in respect of each service user and to maintain this securely. Our GDPR guide in PDF format provides answers to some of the questions you might have about your own or your family member’s record.
Safeguarding guide
The Diagnostic and Assessment Service prioritises safeguarding, requiring Enhanced DBS checks for staff and escorting visitors to ensure safety. Parents and carers advise on managing their child's safety needs during assessments.
View/download the guide
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The Lorna Wing Centre has been designed to have a homely and relaxed atmosphere. It is autism-friendly, with adjustable lighting, a private garden and access to sensory equipment.
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The Lorna Wing Centre team is made up of clinical specialists and business support staff.
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The Lorna Wing Centre was founded in 1991 by Dr Lorna Wing and Dr Judith Gould.
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We offer the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (The DISCO)training for psychologists, psychiatrists,and paediatricians working in clinical roles in specialist autism multi-disciplinary diagnostic teams.